Hub locknut socket tool

ABSTRACT

A hub locknut socket tool, specifically a socket that can selectively couple with a standard or custom ratchet and a variety of hub locknuts, including but not limited to Myers hub locknuts and T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts. The hub locknut socket is easier to use and more efficient than the traditional method of using a hammer-screwdriver combination or wrench to tighten or loosen a hub locknut. The hub locknut socket also provides a higher level of safety as compared to previous methods.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The following application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/058,614, filed Jun. 4, 2008, the complete contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to the field of hand tools, specificallya conduit hub locknut socket tool for installation and removal ofconduit hub locknuts.

2. Background

Electricians often install rigid metal conduit, intermediate metalconduit, PVC coated rigid metal conduit and other conduits inapplications which require the use of conduit hubs when terminating intoan electrical enclosure, junction box, wireway, gutter, switchboard,transformer, and/or apparatus. Traditionally, the conduit hub locknut isinstalled and securely tightened with force in a clockwise direction bythe use of a wrench or hammer blows against the handle end of ascrewdriver, with the flat end of the screwdriver making contact withthe hub locknut. As an example, in their product catalog, the completecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, Thomas & Betts®recommends using a wrench or hammer-and-screwdriver combination fortightening or loosening their T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hublocknuts (Thomas & Betts®, T&B® Fittings, p. A-17, available athttp://tnbelectricalworld.tnb.com/contractor/docs/tc_gm101_xx.pdf).However, in many applications, due to limited access, tight workingconditions, obstructions from electrical devices and mechanisms withinenclosures and general designs of electrical enclosures and apparatus,the use of a wrench or hammer-and-screwdriver combination is cumbersome,difficult, can cause damage to electrical equipment, and can bepotentially hazardous to personnel.

Many applications do not accommodate the amount of space needed toproperty execute hub locknut installation via the wrench orhammer-screwdriver methods. When using a wrench for conduit hub locknutinstallations, the wrench needs to be large enough to grasp the outershell of the conduit hub locknut and apply force while turning. Theinstaller must grip the wrench and turn the conduit hub locknut with thegripping hand on the same surface plane as the enclosure while theconduit hub locknut tightens against the enclosure. If the wrench usedis too small and/or small spaces do not allow for proper execution, thisprocess can result in the wrench suddenly and quickly slipping off theconduit hub locknut.

When a hammer-screwdriver method is utilized, the flat end of thescrewdriver must be held firmly against the flat edge of the conduit hublocknut and a hammer must strike the screwdriver handle repeatedly. Thisprocess enables rotation and tightening of the hub locknut. Theinstaller must both keep the screwdriver in the same surface plane asthe enclosure and grip the screwdriver handle such that enough space isallotted for receiving hammer blows without striking the installer'shand. Moreover, the screwdriver must be large enough to seat firmlyagainst a flat edge of the conduit hub locknut and strong enough toreceive hammer blows. Not only does this process inherently carry safetyrisks, but in many instances there is not enough space for properexecution.

With both the wrench and hammer-screwdriver methods, there can be agreat risk of injury to the installer and damage to electrical equipmentas a result of a screwdriver slip or awkward strike by hammer blow.Accordingly, cardboard and rubber mats are sometimes used by installersto protect electrical devices, controls, wiring and mechanisms.Additionally, an installer may use gloves to minimize hand lacerations,bruises, or other injuries. Nevertheless, it is desirable to have adevice that can greatly lessen the risk of injury to person or propertywithout using mats, gloves, or the like.

What is needed is a hub locknut socket adapted for installation andremoval of conduit hub locknuts within electrical enclosures, junctionboxes, wireways, gutters, switchboards, transformers and otherapparatuses. The socket should require less force by a user, as comparedto current methods, and should lessen the risk of damage to electricalequipment while lowering potential hazards to a user. It is desirable tohave a socket that can be used with standard or custom ratchets. Thesocket should be adapted for use with a variety of hub locknuts,including but not limited to Meyers hub locknuts and T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknuts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentdevice.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective cross-section view of another embodiment ofthe present device.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a typical Meyers hub locknut.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hublocknut.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentdevice, specifically designed for use with T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknuts.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective cross-section view of another embodiment ofthe device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of one embodiment of the present devicedesigned for use with T&B® Hub (electrical fitting/connector) locknuts.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of another embodiment of the present devicedesigned for use with T&B® Hub (electrical fitting/connector) locknuts.

FIG. 10 depicts a sectioned side view of a rib member of the device inFIGS. 7 & 9 coupled with a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hublocknuts.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentdevice.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the present devicecomprising rib members and appendages.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the present device inuse.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the present invention. A hublocknut socket 100 can comprise a substantially tubular body 102 havinga proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of extension members 106can extend from the proximal end of a substantially tubular body 102 andcan be substantially equally spaced relative to each other. In otherembodiments, a plurality of extension members 106 can have gaps 108wherein at least one gap 108 is a different size than another gap 108.The size of gaps 108 between extension members 106 can be predeterminedsuch that the extension members 106 coupled with a substantially tubularbody 102 are adapted to selectively engage the lugs of a hub locknut, asexplained further below. The distal end of a substantially tubular body102 can be coupled with a flange 104 and a cavity 110. A cavity 110 cancomprise a ball detent 112 and can be adapted to receive a ratchet driveof predetermined size. A cavity 110 can have a substantially rectangularopening and can be a depression, as shown in FIG. 1, or an aperture, asshown in FIG. 2. The proximal end of an extension member 106 can form asubstantially planar brim 116, as depicted in FIG. 1, but in otherembodiments a brim 116 can be curved or can have any other known and/orconvenient geometry.

A substantially tubular body 102 can have a substantially circularcross-section, as shown in FIG. 3, or can have any other known and/orconvenient cross-section geometry conducive to mating with a desired hublocknut. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of a substantiallytubular body 102 can have ridges, indentations, small protrusions, orany other known and/or convenient surface characteristic for preventingslippage during handling or improving aesthetic appearance. In otherembodiments, the exterior surface of a substantially tubular body 102can be smooth.

Referring to FIG. 2, a substantially tubular body 102 can havedimensions appropriate for selective coupling with a desired hublocknut. The hub locknut socket 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 is adapted foruse with a Myers hub locknut 206 (FIG. 2A), which is currentlymanufactured by several companies. In some embodiments of a hub locknutsocket 100 designed to mate with a Myers hub locknut, a substantiallytubular member 102 can have an inside diameter 300 of 1.075-1.560inches, and an outside diameter 302 of 1.375-1.875 inches (FIG. 3).These dimensions represent dimensions complementary to common Myers hublocknuts currently on the market; however, inside and outside diameters300 302 of a hub locknut socket 100 can have any other known and/orconvenient dimensions.

A plurality of extension members 106 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.Similar to the substantially tubular body 102 above, in someembodiments, the exterior surface of an extension member 106 can haveridges, indentations, small protrusions, or any other known and/orconvenient surface characteristic for preventing slippage duringhandling or improving aesthetic appearance. In other embodiments, theexterior surface of an extension member 106 can be smooth. Moreover, thebrim 116 of an extension member 106 can be coated with a non-slipmaterial adapted to provide improved grip when mating with a hublocknut. A non-slip coating can be rubber or another type of polymer,and/or can have small surface variations to increase friction between anextension member 106 and a hub locknut.

As illustrated in FIG. 2-2A and as explained above, a hub locknut socket100 can be adapted for use with a Myers hub locknut 206. In thisconfiguration, each extension member 106 can be adapted to fit closelybetween each lug 208 of a Myers hub locknut 206. In such embodiments, anextension member 106 can be 0.250-0.280 inches in height 200. Referringto FIG. 3, the inner width 304 of an extension member 106 can be0.390-0.615 inches. These dimensions represent dimensions complementaryto common sizes of Myers hub locknuts currently on the market; however,in other embodiments an extension member 106 can have any otherappropriate dimensions.

In some embodiments, the thickness of an extension member 106 can besubstantially similar to the thickness of the wall 114 of asubstantially tubular member 102, as shown in FIG. 2. In otherembodiments, the thickness of an extension member 106 can have adifferent thickness than that of a substantially tubular member 102. Anextension member 106 can have an angle of curvature about the centrallongitudinal axis of a substantially tubular member 102 substantiallysimilar to that of a substantially tubular body 102, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3. In other embodiments, the angle of curvature of an extensionmember 106 can be different than that of a substantially tubular body102 while still maintaining the proper geometry and dimensions for usewith a desired hub locknut. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, an extension member106 can have a substantially orthogonal geometry, but in otherembodiments an extension member 106 can have a more roundedconfiguration, or can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. Abrim 116 of an extension member 106 can be substantially planar. Inother embodiments, a brim 116 can be slightly rounded to allow foreasier placement a hub locknut, especially for situations where there islimited space and/or user vision is restricted. In alternateembodiments, a brim 116 can have any other known and/or convenientgeometry.

A substantially tubular body 102 and/or a plurality of extension members106 can comprise any type of known and/or convenient material and canhave any known and/or convenient material properties. In one embodiment,a substantially tubular body 102 and/or a plurality of extension members106 can be made of steel alloys, such as chrome vanadium or chromemolybdenum. In other embodiments, a substantially tubular body 102and/or a plurality of extension members 106 can comprise any other knownand/or convenient type of metal. In yet alternate embodiments, polyvinylchloride or any other known and/or convenient polymer can be used. Insome embodiments, a combination of materials can be used.

A substantially tubular body 102 and/or a plurality of extension members106 can have corrosion-resistance properties, either inherently or bycoating or plating with chrome, corrosion-resistant plastics, or anyother known and/or convenient material. A substantially tubular body 102and/or a plurality of extension members 106 made of steel can be heattreated to harden or soften the material, depending on intendedapplication. For example, if a hub locknut socket 100 is intended foruse as a standard socket, it can be treated such that the result isstrong, brittle steel. If a hub locknut socket 100 is intended for useas an impact socket, it can be treated such that the result is weaker,more malleable steel that can deform and split instead of shattering inthe event of an accident or misuse. In some embodiments, a steelsubstantially tubular body 102 and/or a plurality of steel extensionmembers 106 can be oil-quenched, or can be treated by any other type ofquenching process.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-2, the gap 108 of a hub locknut socket 100 foruse with a Myers hub locknut can have a width 202 of approximately0.155-0.165 inches. These dimensions are non-limiting and the width ofgaps 108 can be adapted for use with any other size of Myers hublocknuts, with T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts(explained in detail below), and/or any other known and/or convenienttype of hub locknut.

A flange 104 can be relatively thin, as shown in FIG. 1, or relativelythick, as shown in FIG. 2. The flange 104 illustrated in FIG. 2 can havea thickness 204 of approximately 0.4375 inches. In this embodiment, acavity 110 and a flange 104 can have substantially similar thicknesses.In other embodiments, a cavity 110 and a flange 104 can have variedthicknesses with respect to each other (as shown in FIG. 1). Moreover, aflange 104 can be constructed of steel, plastic, or any other knownand/or convenient type of material or combination of materials. In someembodiments, a flange 104 can comprise the same material as asubstantially tubular body 102 and/or extension members 106.

A cavity 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and a ball detent 112 is shownin FIGS. 1-2. A cavity 110 can be a substantially rectangular openingand can be adapted to receive a standard or custom ratchet drive. Acavity 110 can be a depression having only one open end, as shown inFIG. 1, or can be an aperture having two open ends, as shown in FIG. 2.A ball detent 112 can receive the ball of a ratchet drive, if the driveis so equipped. This ball/ball-detent mechanism can temporarily lock thedrive in place as an added safety measure and to aid in efficient use ofa hub locknut socket 100.

In some embodiments, a hub locknut socket 100 can be adapted toselectively couple with a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hublocknut 500, illustrated in FIG. 5. Currently, there are no socket toolsappropriate for loosening and tightening a T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknut. At this time, Thomas & Betts® is thesole manufacturer of the type of hub locknut 500 depicted in FIG. 5;however, modifications to a hub locknut socket 100 can be made in theevent of introduction to the market of variations on the T&B®(electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut configuration. A T&B®(electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut 500 can have a circularflange 502 coupled with a circular series of lugs 504. A plurality ofangled splines 506 can be spaced between lugs 504, and a flange 502 canhave flange indentations 508.

A hub locknut socket 100 adapted to mate with a T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknut is depicted in FIG. 6. This embodiment issimilar to the hub locknut socket 100 shown in FIG. 1, however itcomprises three (3) substantially equally spaced extension members 106.Additionally, while the FIG. 1 embodiment has a brim 116 of uniformdepth, each brim 116 of extension members 106 in FIG. 6 can have variedwidth due to the angled geometry of extension members 106. In use, thisangled geometry allows each extension member 106 to detachably couplewith the exterior edges of two lugs 504 at least partially. As a whole,the extension members 106 of a hub locknut socket 100 adapted for usewith a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut 500 can act tosubstantially circumferentially couple with lugs 504.

A hub locknut socket 100 can be designed for use with T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknuts and can have dimensions complementary tocommon T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts currently on themarket. In other embodiments, a hub locknut socket 100 can havedimensions appropriate for coupling with hub locknut variants of theT&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut 500.

As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 9, each extension member 106 of a hub locknutsocket 100 adapted to mate with a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector)hub locknut 500 can further comprise a rib member 706. A rib member 706can be positioned substantially proximate to the interior vertex 708 ofan angled extension member 106 and substantially parallel to thelongitudinal plane of a substantially tubular member 102. A rib member706 can be adapted to engage the spline 506 of a T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknut 500, thereby enabling greater surfacearea contact between a hub locknut socket 100 and a locknut 500. Thiscan provide a more efficient grip by temporarily locking into place ahub locknut socket 100 and a hub locknut 500. Improved placement canalso be achieved because, as force is applied to a hub locknut 500, ribmembers 706 of a hub locknut socket 100 can descend into splines 506,thereby guiding the hub locknut socket 100 into place. As shown in FIG.7, the proximal end of a rib member 706 can be substantially orthogonalto a substantially planar surface (706A), or slightly angled with asubstantially planar end surface (706B). In other embodiments, theproximal end of a rib member 706 can have any other known and/orconvenient geometry.

FIG. 10 depicts a sectioned side view of a T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknut 500 coupled with a hub locknut socket100. The proximal end of a rib member 706B can be angled such that itcomplements the geometry of an angled spline 506 of a locknut 500. Theproximal end of a rib member 706B can also have slightly rounded edges.This combination of an angled end and rounded edges can greatly improvethe placement efficiency and ease of use of a hub locknut socket 100 byallowing rib members 706 to slide into angled splines 506, even when auser's view of the hub locknut socket 100 and locknut 500 is restricted.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a hub locknut socket 100 foruse with a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut 500. A hublocknut socket 100 can further comprise a plurality of appendages 1102coupled with the proximal ends of extension members 106. Appendages 1102can be adapted to engage flange indentations 508 of a T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknut, thereby further increasing the surfacearea contact between a hub locknut socket 100 and locknut 500, thusimproving the grip of a hub locknut socket 100 on a locknut 500. FIG. 12depicts a top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub locknut socket100. As shown, two appendages 1102 can be positioned on each extensionmember 106 such that appendages 1102 can complementarily mate withflange indentations 508 when in use.

A hub locknut socket 100 can be adapted for use with a variety of tools.The hub locknut socket 100 in FIGS. 1-2, 3-4, 6-9, 12 is designed toreceive the drive of a conventional socket wrench. In other embodimentsa hub locknut socket 100 can be adapted to selectively couple with acustom ratchet, t-handle socket wrench, hand-held electric driver tools,pneumatic tools, such as an impact wrench, and/or any other known and/orconvenient tool. Moreover, a hub locknut socket 100 can be adapted foruse with wrench adapters, extensions, universal joints, knuckles, and/orany other known and/or convenient tool accessory. Although severalembodiments have been described for use with Myers and T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknuts, the invention can be modified toselectively engage any other known and/or convenient type of hublocknut.

As shown in FIG. 13, the drive 1301 of a ratchet 1300 can be temporarilycoupled with a hub locknut socket 100 via a cavity 110. A user can thenmate the hub locknut socket 100 with a hub locknut 1302. In a Myers hublocknut embodiment (FIGS. 1-2A), extension members 106 of a hub locknutsocket 100 can each slide between lugs 208 of the locknut 206, and lugs208 can couple with gaps 108, thereby temporarily securing the hublocknut socket 100 to the hub locknut 206. In a T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) hub locknut embodiment (FIGS. 5-9), extension members106 can circumferentially engage lugs 504, at least partially. Inembodiments where a hub locknut socket 100 comprises a plurality of ribmembers 706, rib members 706 can slide between the lugs 504 into splines506, thereby temporarily securing the hub locknut socket 100 to thelocknut 500. Referring back to FIG. 13, a user can subsequently rotate aratchet 1300 such that a hub locknut socket 100 is likewise rotated in adesired direction. In both the Myers or T&B® (electricalfitting/connector) embodiments, the force of extension members 106against a locknut 1302, instigated by the driving force of the ratchet1300, can facilitate rotation of a hub locknut 1302. Thus, a user canefficiently tighten or loosen a locknut 1302.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed isintended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

1. A hub locknut socket tool, comprising: a substantially tubular bodyhaving a proximal end, a distal end, an interior wall, and an exteriorsurface; a flange coupled with said distal end of said substantiallytubular body; the center of said flange having a cavity; said cavityhaving a substantially rectangular opening adapted to receive a ratchetdrive; a plurality of extension members extending from said proximal endof said substantially tubular body; said extension members beingseparated from each other by a predetermined distance.
 2. The hublocknut socket tool of claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaces of saidextension members are substantially flush with said exterior surface ofsaid substantially tubular body
 3. The hub locknut socket tool of claim1, wherein said substantially tubular body and said plurality ofextension members are adapted to selectively engage a standard hublocknut.
 4. The hub locknut socket tool of claim 1, wherein saidsubstantially tubular body and said plurality of extension members areadapted to selectively engage a T&B® (electrical fitting/connector) hublocknut.